J Jewelry Maui

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I recently traveled to Maui to do a photoshoot for a friend of mine that owns a high end jewelry company.  She hand crafts each piece individually, inspired by the beach but with an unexpected urban flair.  Her work is stunning.  

The company, J Jewelry Maui, is expanding and in the process of developing a full fledged e-commerce site as well as a more progressive marketing strategy.  600+ photos later, here is a sampling of some of the shots.  I learned a lot and wished I had some more equipment with me... but lessons were learned!

Dualing Photographers

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My daughter is graduating this year and is keen on getting her senior portraits taken.  She has taken several photography classes and is an aspiring photographer herself.  HOWEVER, taking direction from her mum, the photographer, whether she is behind or in front of the camera, is challenging to say the least!  So we had a bit of a go at it, taking turns on either side of the camera - and these were the results.  I may still hire another photographer..  Crikey!

New Selphie Station

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I recently decided to expand my offerings and have some fun with developing a photobooth service.  After a bit of research, I was determined to build my own as purchasing a turn key solution was too expensive and would have taken too much time to reap any return on that investment.  So I got to work, ordered all the parts and very much enjoyed what felt like an over the top craft project.  As fate would have it, I launched my new selphy station at an event that was hosted by one of my favorite clients just a few weeks after I was finished building and testing my new creation.  The venue was as Bardeney in downtown Boise.  As you will see, the resulting shots were everything I had hoped they would be.  

Project Listen

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This video is something to behold.  Having been a river rat in my younger days, I somehow seemed to have raised another river rat.  This youtube video is not my work, but I felt that I needed to share - for many reasons.  Just look at our beautiful Idaho.  The video shows footage from both the north fork and south fork of the Payette river where Cascade Raft and Kayak offer excursions every summer.  This year, my son Avery, will be guiding the south fork - a big step up for him.  There is footage of Big Falls rapid which is  a class IV.  Raftss have to portage around this and I have such fond memories of doing just that.  I feel so fortunate to have these opportunities for my children to find themselves, be themselves and to carve out a life doing what makes them happy!

Photo Log: Crouch, Idaho

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Crouch is a quaint little town, population 162, that sits on the middle fork of the Payette river.  I was on my way north and stopped in for a quick shoot of a small log cabin.  I've always been quite enamored with it's 'downtown' which is all of one cross roads.  I decided to shoot some of the store fronts as they are reminiscent of days gone by.  After some photoshop magic, I recreated that vintage look and these are the results.  The only hitch in this giddyup was the Ford Explorer parked in front of one of the stores.  I'll just chalk that up to time travelers visiting that day.

Urban Farm in Eagle, Idaho

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Despite the blustery weather, I had the opportunity to shoot this super cool urban farm nestled just across the street from Eagle high school.  Two and a half acres surrounds a very cute and updated farm house.  What I liked most was the small fruit orchard, complete with honey bees and surrounding garden boxes.  Chicken coops, grain storage, barn -- it was completely turn key. And after you're done working the fields during the day, you could bust out a artisan pizza in the wood fired oven off the back patio.  Enjoyed of course with an excellent glass of vino!

Mid Century Modern on Harrison Blvd

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What a fun home to shoot!  This house was immaculate and perfectly staged.  Because the house was designed around an outside courtyard, the large picture windows throughout the house were really central to the photo taking opportunities.  And, I have to say, that I really appreciate a good clean window.  Crisp, clear windows can really make ahuge difference and one of the things that can make photos really pop.

Houzz Announces Best Of Houzz 2016 Winners

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I was pleasantly surprised this morning when I found this email in my inbox. 

The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 35 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2016” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign oftheir commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

POLLY Productions was awarded best in Customer Service.  My clients are the ones to thank as I value each and every one of them.